Yesterday was cold and rainy so we stayed inside in front of the fireplace and watched a movie. In one episode the family had been stranded, a broken wheel prevented them from traveling any further. That night they stayed in a hotel room with one bed, the kids safely tucked in between mom and dad.
That’s what I went to bed thinking about and this morning, in my prayer time I was remembering the times that something had awaken our kids in the night and they came running to get in bed with us.
When frightening things happen, we run for safety don’t we?
“There is no fear in love. Perfect love puts fear out of our hearts. People have fear when they are afraid of being punished. The man who is afraid does not have perfect love. 19 We love Him because He loved us first.” I John 4:18-19 NLV
In a storm, a natural disaster, a financial reversal, a divorce, the unexpected death of a loved one, during a life-altering doctor’s visit, fear is present to destroy our peace and leave us shaken.
But God! Perfect love, God’s love, will dispel the fear. Our focus on His provision will bring us joy and strength.
“Even if the fig tree does not grow figs and there is no fruit on the vines, even if the olives do not grow and the fields give no food, even if there are no sheep within the fence and no cattle in the cattle-building, 18 yet I will have joy in the Lord. I will be glad in the God Who saves me. 19 The Lord God is my strength. He has made my feet like the feet of a deer, and He makes me walk on high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLV
Just like a small child, frightened by a thunderstorm who runs to their parent for protection, we can run to our Father and find peace in His presence.
“ He who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful. 2 I will say to the Lord, ‘You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.’ 3 For it is He Who takes you away from the trap, and from the killing sickness. 4 He will cover you with His wings. And under His wings you will be safe. He is faithful like a safe-covering and a strong wall.” Psalm 91:1-4 NLV
“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NLV
Our Father doesn’t want us to “try and handle it on our own”. He wants us to run to Him, in complete trust.
“Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 NLV
Father, we choose to keep our minds focused on You and Your love for us. Keep our hearts free from fear! Amen.